Springboro grad, former Iowa lineman Welsh retires from football

All-Big Ten selection writes he no longer has passion for the game

Springboro High School graduate and former Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Sean Welsh announced the end of his football career on Friday.

"After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to retire from the game of football,” Welsh wrote on Facebook. “Although this decision might feel quick for many, I’ve had apprehension about pursuing a professional career for some time. I believe football is one of the greatest games ever played, it’s one that should be played with passion and an unwavering desire. For me, this is no longer the case. But I am so hopeful and eager to approach this next chapter of my life. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and I couldn’t have done it without help from many along the way. I am profoundly grateful for the people in my life that have made what I’ve done possible. I also want to thank the Redskins as well for the opportunity they gave me. I never expected to make it this far and I consider myself among the luckiest guys in the world to experience what I have."

Welsh graduated from Springboro in 2013. He redshirted as a freshman at Iowa in 2013. He started seven games in 2014, earning an All-Big Ten freshman first-team honor. In 2015, he started all 14 games and won a Big Ten honorable mention. In 2016, he won the Team Hustle Award, was named to All-Big Ten second team and was named a second-team All-American by USA Today.